Dosing timer and dispensers using the same

ABSTRACT

A dispensing system includes a pour cap for a container and a timing device configured to visually indicate when a dose has been dispensed from the dispensing system, the timing device being securable to either the pour cap or the container and configurable based on a product being dispensed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dispensing systems and moreparticularly to dispenser devices having a timer feature allowing a userto estimate the dispense rate or dosing volume of the dispenser device.

State of the Art

Dispensing devices are used to dispense a various number of products.Typically, a dispensing device—such as a pump, closure, trigger sprayer,or other device—is attached to a container or bottle containing aproduct to be dispensed. The dispensing device facilitates thedispensing of the product from the container or bottle.

In many instances, a user desires to measure the amount of product beingdispensed from a container through the dispensing device. For example,in many laundry care applications, a dispensing device may include a capthat acts as a cup, having graduated markings in the cap so that a usermay measure out a desired amount of product into the cap before pouringthe product into an intended location. While such systems allowestimated measurements, many users complain about the additional messassociated with using the cap in such a manner and prefer a one-handedoperation allowing them to pour or dispense a product directly into thedesired location.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain embodiments of the invention, a dispensing devicemay include a pour cap having a timing device integrated therewith orintegrated with the bottle or container. A timing device may include atransparent or translucent outer cylinder which may be filled with afluid or other product that may flow within the timing device tovisually represent or correspond to a given amount of product beingdispensed from the dispensing device. The timing device may include flowchannels which may be modified for a particular use such that thevisible flow of the fluid or flowable material in the timing device maybe used to measure the output of the dispensing device.

A timing device according to various embodiments of the invention may beintegrated with a cap, assembled to the cap or integrated with thebottle or assembled to the bottle or handle. The timing device may bepositioned near the handle so that a user may visually monitor thetiming device during operation. Fluid flowing into, or out of, thetiming device may indicate when a dose has been dispensed from thedispensing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention,various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood andappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the followingdescriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing system according to various embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a dispenser according to various embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a dispenser according tovarious embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a timing device according tovarious embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 5-5of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an exemplary timing sequence of fluid flowing outof the timing device during a dispensing operation;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary timingdevice according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12-13 illustrate cross-sectional views thereof showing the flowpath of fluid and air during a timing stage and a reset stage when thetiming device is used in a timing chamber emptying configuration;

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate cross-sectional views thereof showing the flowpath of fluid and air during a timing stage and reset stage when thetiming device is used in a timing chamber filling configuration;

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of anothertiming device according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary dispensingsystem according to various embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate enlarged perspective views of the pour cap andtiming device thereof;

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-section view of the pour cap and timingdevice taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 illustrates an enlarged partial view thereof showing the ventingconfiguration;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary timing device ofvarious embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary flowregulator of various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 27 illustrates a side view thereof;

FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the timing device takenalong line 28-28 of FIG. 24;

FIGS. 29-30 illustrate another exemplary dispensing system according tovarious embodiments of the present invention showing the timing deviceintegrated into the bottle;

FIGS. 31-32 illustrate still another exemplary dispensing systemaccording to various embodiments of the invention showing the timingdevice integrated into a separate handle; and

FIGS. 33-34 illustrate yet another exemplary dispensing system accordingto various embodiments of the invention showing the timing deviceattached to the bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary dispensing system 100 according to various embodiments ofthe invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. A dispensing system 100 mayinclude a container 900 and a pour cap 110. The pour cap 110 orcontainer 900 may include a timing device 200 incorporated thereinwherein the timing device is at least partially visible during use ofthe dispensing system 100.

According to various embodiments of the invention, a pour cap 110 mayinclude a cap base 116 and a closure 112 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thecap base 116 may be connected to or mated with a container 900. Forinstance, the cap base 116 may include an inner skirt 115 includingthreads, bayonet features, snap features, or other features allowing thepour cap 110 to be connected to an opening in a container 900 havingsimilar features. The closure 112 may be connected to the cap base 116by a hinge 114 or hinge system. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, ahinge 114 may include a top portion integral with the closure 112 and abottom portion integral with the cap base 116. A pivot rod or otherpivot feature may connect the top portion and bottom portion of thehinge 114 such that closure 112 may be moved or rotated from a closedposition where it is engaged with the cap base 116 to an open position.In other embodiments, a hinge system 114 may include a living hingeformed between the closure 112 and cap base 116 (see also FIGS. 6-9 and19-23).

According to various embodiments of the invention, an outer skirt ordecorative shroud of the pour cap 110 may include a window 122 throughwhich a portion of a timing device 200 may be viewed. The timing device200 may be seated in a portion of the pour cap 110 (FIGS. 1-9) or in aportion of the container 900 (FIGS. 29-34) or may be secured to the pourcap (FIGS. 19-23) or secured to the bottle 900 (FIGS. 35-36).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a timing device 200 may be seated a rearportion of the cape base 116 and adjacent the hinge 114. In someembodiments of the invention, the cap base 116 may include a timingdevice slot 120 into which a timing device 200 may be seated asillustrated in FIG. 2. The window 122 may be advantageously located onthe pour cap 100 so that the timing device 200 is easily visible to auser during operation or use of the dispensing system 100. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, a timing device 200 may be visible through window122 adjacent a rear portion of the pour cap 110.

While certain aesthetic shapes and designs of a pour cap 110 areillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, it is understood that other shapes,configurations, and aesthetic designs may be incorporated with variousembodiments of the invention.

An exemplary timing device 200 according to various embodiments of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. As illustrated in FIG. 4, atiming device 200 may include a transparent or translucent outercylinder 210 having two open ends and a hollow space defined by theouter cylinder 210. One end of the outer cylinder 210 may be pluggedwith an end cap 212 as illustrated. An end cap 212 may be configured toseal an end of the outer cylinder 210 and to prevent fluid from escapingan interior portion of the outer cylinder 210. In some embodiments ofthe invention, an end cap 212 may include one or more features capableof securing the timing device 200 to a pour cap 110. In otherembodiments, an end cap 212 may include a filling port through which afluid or liquid 214, or other flowable material, may be introduced intoan interior space of the outer cylinder 210. For example, an end cap 212may include a valve through which liquid may pass or a sealable channelthrough which a filling needle may be inserted to introduce fluid intoan interior of the outer cylinder 210.

A flow regulator 220 may be inserted in an open end 221 of the outercylinder 210 opposite an end cap 212 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The flowregulator 220 may seal or close the end of the outer cylinder 210 intowhich it is placed. Positioning of a flow regulator 220 within the outercylinder 210 may define a timing reservoir 228 and a storage reservoir230 separated by portions of the flow regulator 220. A flow regulator220 may include flow channel 223 having a channel opening 222 in fluidcommunication with, and opening into, the timing reservoir 228. Achannel exit 224 may be positioned opposite the channel opening 222 andin fluid communication with, and opening into, the storage reservoir230. Flow channel 223 may be defined between the channel opening 222 andchannel exit 224. A fluid return channel 232 defined by the flowregulator 220 may be positioned adjacent to the timing reservoir 228 butseparated therefrom by a portion of the flow regulator 220. A fluidreturn opening 234 may connect the timing reservoir 228 with the fluidreturn channel 232.

According to various embodiments of the invention, an interior portionof the outer cylinder 210 is partially filled with fluid 214. At rest,as illustrated in FIG. 5, a volume of the fluid 214 may be contained inthe timing reservoir 228 and in the fluid return channel 232.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, an exemplary pouring sequence is illustrated. Touse the dispensing system 100, a user may open the closure 112 and tipthe dispensing system 100 to dispense product from within the container900 through the pour cap 110. As product is poured from the pour cap110, fluid in the timing device 200 begins to exit the timing reservoir228 through the channel opening 222 to be collected in the storagereservoir 230. Movement of the fluid out of the timing reservoir 228corresponds to an amount of fluid being poured from the pour cap 110.Thus, once the timing reservoir 228 has been emptied, a user knows thatthey have completed dispensing one dose of the product in the container900.

Upon tipping, the dispensing device 100 back into a non-use position,fluid in the storage reservoir 230 of the timing device 200 begins torefill the timing reservoir 228 through the fluid return opening 234.

According to various embodiments of the invention, characteristics ofthe fluid in the timing device 200 may be altered to change the timethat it takes the timing reservoir 228 to empty. Thus, indication of afull dose of dispensing may be altered or selectively chosen by choosingthe flow characteristics of the fluid.

In other embodiments of the invention, the area or size of the channelopening 222 may be altered such that the flow of fluid out of the timingreservoir 228 is slower or faster. Thus, if the product to be dispensedwith the dispensing system 100 has a low viscosity, the channel opening222 may be larger than if a product having a higher viscosity is to bedispensed. Thus, the flow rate of fluid through the channel opening 222,and the emptying of the timing reservoir 228, can be adjusted byaltering the size of the channel opening 222. The ability to adjust thetime it takes for fluid to evacuate the timing reservoir 228 allowstiming devices 200 to be customized for use with many different productsand dosage sizes. Depending on the amount of product desired in a dosefrom the dispensing system 100, an appropriate timing device 200 may beselected or constructed to provide a visual timer capable of notifying auser when they have completed dispensing an entire dose of product.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the size of the fluidreturn opening 234 may be increased or decreased to allow fluid torefill the timing reservoir 228 faster or slower than it escapes thetiming reservoir 228. In some instances where a user may desire torapidly dose, reset, and re-dose, a larger fluid return opening 234 mayallow the resetting of the timing device 200 in a quicker amount of timefor the next use.

According to other embodiments of the invention, an example of which isillustrated in FIGS. 11-15, a timing device 200 may include an outercylinder 210 having one closed end integral with the outer cylinder 210and one open end. A flow regulator 220 as previously described may beinserted in the open end to seal the open end of the outer cylinder 210.FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the initial position of the timing device 200and show the timing reservoir 228 and return channel filled with fluid.FIG. 12 illustrates the flow of air and fluid when the timing device 200is inverted to begin the timing sequence, while FIG. 13 illustrates thereturn flow when the timing device is returned to its normal at restposition.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the timing device 200 mayalternatively be inverted at a normal rest position such that thestorage reservoir is initially filled and the timing reservoir 228 fillswith fluid as the user dispenses a product from the dispensing device100. The timing reservoir 228 will then be full when a dose has beendispensed. FIG. 15 illustrates the return path back to the storagereservoir when the timing device is returned to its normal at restposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, another exemplary timing device 200A isillustrated. The timing device 200A includes a transparent ortranslucent outer cylinder 210 having an open end and a closed end. Aflow regulator 220A may be inserted in an open end of the outer cylinder210 to seal or close the end of the outer cylinder 210 into which it isplaced. The flow regulator 220A within the outer cylinder 210 may definea timing reservoir 228 and a storage reservoir 230 separated by portionsof the flow regulator 220A. Flow regulator 220A may include a spiralflow channel in fluid communication with the timing reservoir 228 andthe storage reservoir. A fluid return channel 232 defined by the flowregulator 220 also connects the timing reservoir 228 and the storagereservoir for return flow.

Turning now to FIGS. 19-28, there is illustrated another exemplarydispensing system 300 according to various embodiments of the invention.A dispensing system 300 may include a container 900 and a pour cap 310.The pour cap 310 or container 900 may include a timing device 200incorporated therein wherein the timing device is at least partiallyvisible during use of the dispensing system 300.

According to various embodiments of the invention, a pour cap 310 mayinclude a cap base 316 and a closure 312 as illustrated in FIGS. 19-23.The cap base 316 may be connected to or mated with a container 900. Forinstance, the cap base 316 may include an inner skirt 315 includingthreads, bayonet features, snap features, or other features allowing thepour cap 310 to be connected to an opening in a container 900 havingsimilar features. The closure 312 may be connected to the cap base 316by a living hinge 314 or other hinge system.

The cap base 316 includes a main deck 318 and a dispensing spout 320extending upwardly therefrom. The closure 312 may include acomplementary sealing wall 322 extending downwardly which may bereceived in engagement with the spout 320 to provide a seal. A ventingtube 324 may be located within the dispensing spout 320. The ventingtube 324 may be located adjacent the rear portion of the dispensingspout 320 opening and extends downwardly from the main deck 318 into theinterior of the cap base 315. In other embodiments, the venting tube 324may be located at other locations depending on the configuration of thecap base 316 and the size and orientation of the dispensing spout 320. Aventing orifice 326 is located at the bottom terminal end of the ventingtube 324. The venting orifice 326 may be provided by integrally moldingthe orifice or may be provided by a separate cap fitted over theterminal end of the venting tube 324. The upper end 324A of the ventingtube 324 is preferably disposed below the undercut of the spout lip. Thelength of the venting tube 324 and the size of the venting orifice 326may be adjusted to determine the venting performance of the dispensingsystem based on liquids with different viscosities.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19-23, a timing device 200 may be seatedexternally at a rear portion of the cape base 316 adjacent the hinge314. In some embodiments of the invention, the cap base 316 may includea recess 328 into which a timing device 200 may be removably seated. Thetiming device 200 may be advantageously located on the pour cap 310 sothat the timing device 200 is easily visible to a user during operationor use of the dispensing system 300.

An exemplary timing device 200 according to various embodiments isillustrated in FIGS. 24-28. As illustrated in FIG. 24, a timing device200 may include a transparent or translucent outer cylinder 210 havingan open end 221 and a hollow space defined by the outer cylinder 210, aflow regulator 400 received within the outer cylinder 210 and a flowablematerial 214, such as a colored fluid received within the outer cylinder210. Flow regulator 400 includes a generally planar, elongate main bodyportion 402 and an end cap portion 404. Flow regulator 400 may beinserted in an open end 221 of the outer cylinder 210 where the end capportion 404 may seal or close the end of the outer cylinder 210 intowhich it is placed. The outer surface of the end cap portion 404 and theinner surface of the outer cylinder 210 may include complementarysealing ribs to prevent leakage and maintain the end cap 404 assembledwith the outer cylinder 210. The end cap portion 404 may include acentral post 406 and an associated orientation fin 408 extendingradially outward from the post 406. More particularly, the orientationfin 408 may be oriented perpendicular to the plane of the main bodyportion 402, the purpose of which will become more apparent hereinbelow.When assembled within the external recess 328 in the cap base 316, thepost 406 fits within a corresponding annular wall 330 while theorientation fin 408 is received within a corresponding slot 332 in thewall 330. This arrangement maintains a proper rotational alignment ofthe timing device 200 relative to the pour cap 310. The outer cylinder210 may include a flange 216 adjacent the open end 221 which is snapreceived under a corresponding shoulder 334 formed on the underside ofthe cap base 316 outer skirt to more securely maintain the timing device200 assembled with the cap base 316.

Referring to FIGS. 25-28, the upper portion of the main body 402 of flowregulator 400 may include an upwardly extending curved wall 410 forminga cavity therebeneath. A terminal end portion 412 of the main body 402is received into a slot 218 at the closed bottom end of the outercylinder 210 to maintain positioning therein.

Positioning of flow regulator 400 within the outer cylinder 210 maydefine a timing reservoir 428 and a storage reservoir 430 separated byportions of the flow regulator 400 (see dashed line in FIG. 28). Theterminal end portion 412 of the main body 402 divides the timingreservoir 428 in half with a portion of the fluid 214 above the mainbody 402 and a portion of the fluid 214 below the main body 402. Flowregulator 400 may include a flow channel 423 having a channel opening422 in fluid communication with, and opening into, the storage reservoir428. The flow opening 422 is preferably located on a lower portion ofthe curved wall 410 so as to prevent flow, i.e. the start of timing,until the bottle 900 is tilted sufficiently to allow for the product tobegin flowing from the dispensing spout 320. In this regard the, restingangle of the timing device 200, and positioning of the channel opening422 cooperate to coordinate simultaneous flow of the product from thespout 320 with flow of the fluid 214 in the timing device 200. As bestseen in FIG. 28, the timing fluid 214 must ride up an angled wallportion 411 before being able to enter into the flow channel opening422. A channel exit 424 may be positioned opposite the channel opening422 and in fluid communication with, and opening into, the storagereservoir 430. Channel 423 may be defined between the channel opening422 and channel exit 424. A dispensing/timing cycle occurs in a similarsequence to that shown in FIGS. 6-9. It is noted here that the timingdevice 400 may further comprise an opaque sleeve 440 surrounding thestorage reservoir 430 (see FIG. 19). The opaque sleeve 440 shrouds thestorage reservoir 430 to provide a more aesthetically pleasingpresentation of the timing sequence. The sleeve 440 replaces theshrouding function provided in the earlier described embodiments wherethe timing device 200 is located beneath the cap base outer skirt 118and is only visible through a window 122 in the outer skirt.

A fluid return channel 432 is defined by the flow regulator 20 adjacentthe terminal end of the main body 402. The return channel 432 has afluid entrance 434 on the lower surface of the main body 402 and an exit436 at the upper end of the channel 432. The exit 436 is preferablylocated immediately adjacent to the inner wall of the outer cylinder 210in order to reduce the formation of bubbles during return flow. Thenarrow space between the channel exit 436 and the interior wall createsa more stable laminar flow which is less prone to bubble formation.

In other embodiments of the invention, a timing device 200 may beremovably received within a recess 902 formed directly within the blowmolded bottle 900, or more specifically, within the handle 904 asillustrated in FIGS. 29-30. An orientation fin 408 is formed on theouter surface of the outer cylinder 210 for mating with a correspondingslot 906 in the recess 902.

In still other embodiments, a timing device 200 may be removablereceived within a recess 902 in a separately molded handle 904 asillustrated in FIGS. 31-32. The outer cylinder 210 of the timing device200 may include securing elements 240, for example latch tabs, which arereceived into corresponding slots 906 formed in the handle 904.

Still further yet, as illustrated in FIGS. 33-34, other embodiments ofthe invention may include a separate securing element 500, such as ahanger ring, for securing the timing device 200 to the bottle 900. Thehanger ring 500 may include an annular ring portion 502 which may bereceived around the neck 908 of the bottle 900 and may further include adepending attachment tab 504 to which the upper end of the timing device200 may be removable secured.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described withrespect to a fluid contained in the timing device 200, it is understoodthat other embodiments may utilize another flowable material such aspowder or granules. In various embodiments, a fluid or flowable materialmay be colored to offer a contrast to make it easier for a user tovisualize the flow in the timing device 200.

Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention,it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims isnot to be limited by particular details set forth in the abovedescription, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated.Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, whichinclude within their scope all equivalent devices or methods whichoperate according to the principles of the invention as described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing system comprising: a container; apour cap attached to the container for dispensing a pourable productfrom the container; and a timing device secured to the container or thepour cap, wherein the timing device comprises: a transparent ortranslucent outer cylinder; a flowable material sealed within thecylinder; and a flow regulator positioned within the outer cylinder, theflow regulator comprising a planar body portion defining a storagereservoir and a timing reservoir within the outer cylinder, said planarbody portion including a timing opening and a return opening allowingsaid flowable material to move between the storage reservoir and thetiming reservoir.
 2. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein theflowable material comprises a fluid.
 3. The dispensing system of claim 2wherein the fluid comprises a colored fluid.
 4. The dispensing system ofclaim 2 wherein the pour cap includes a cap base and a closure connectedto the cap base by a hinge, and wherein the timing device is secured tothe cap base.
 5. The dispensing system of claim 4 wherein the hinge isat a rear portion of the pour cap and the timing device is adjacent thehinge.
 6. The dispensing system of claim 5 wherein the cap base includesan outer skirt having a window adjacent the hinge, and the timing deviceis visible through the window.
 7. The dispensing system of claim 2wherein the timing device is secured to the container adjacent the pourcap.
 8. The dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the container includesa handle, and the timing device is secured to the handle of thecontainer.
 9. The dispensing system of claim 8 wherein the handle isintegrally formed with the container.
 10. The dispensing system of claim1 wherein said pour cap includes a dispensing spout and a venting tubewithin the dispensing spout.
 11. The dispensing system of claim 10wherein an upper edge of the venting tube is disposed beneath an upperedge of the dispensing spout.
 12. A dispensing system comprising: acontainer; a pour cap attached to the container; and a timing deviceassociated with the container or the pour cap, wherein the timing devicecomprises: a transparent or translucent outer cylinder, said outercylinder including an interior wall; a timing fluid contained within thecylinder; and a flow regulator within the outer cylinder, the flowregulator and interior wall define a timing reservoir and a storagereservoir the flow regulator including a timing opening and a fluidreturn opening, wherein the pour cap includes a cap base and a closureconnected to the cap base by a hinge, and wherein the timing device issecured to the cap base, wherein the hinge is at a rear portion of thepour cap and the timing device is adjacent the hinge, and wherein thecap base includes an outer skirt and the timing device protrudes belowan outer periphery of the outer skirt.
 13. The dispensing system ofclaim 12 wherein the timing device includes an opaque sleeve receivedaround a portion of the outer cylinder.
 14. A timing device for meteringa pourable product dispensed from a dispensing system including acontainer and a pour cap, said timing device comprising: a transparentor translucent outer cylinder; a flowable material sealed within thecylinder; and a flow regulator positioned within the outer cylinder, theflow regulator comprising a planar body portion defining a storagereservoir and a timing reservoir within the outer cylinder, said planarbody body including a timing opening and a return opening allowing saidflowable material to move between the storage reservoir and the timingreservoir.
 15. The timing device of claim 14 wherein the flowablematerial comprises a fluid.
 16. The timing device of claim 15 whereinthe fluid comprises a colored fluid.
 17. The timing device of claim 16further comprising an opaque sleeve received around a portion around theouter cylinder.
 18. The timing device of claim 17 wherein the opaquesleeve is received around the outer cylinder to shroud either the timingreservoir or the storage reservoir.
 19. The timing device of claim 14further comprising a securing element configured to selectively securesaid timing device to said pour cap or said container.